What You Should Do While Unemployed

Summary: We understand how difficult it can be when out of work, but there are a handful of important things you need to do while unemployed, and we will discuss them here.

Being out of work, no matter how long it lasts, is never fun. Whether you have been in the working world for one year or 20 years, being without a job is difficult to endure. In this post we will discuss the top five things you should do while unemployed so you do not lose your edge or find yourself sitting around bored waiting for employers to come calling.

Stay Connected to Family and Friends

When unemployed, you might have the urge to stay isolated because your pride has taken a hit. This should never happen. You need to stay connected with family members and friends for two reasons. The first reason is that they might be able to connect you to a job opportunity. The second reason is that they might be able to provide you with feedback regarding your job search or your resume. We will throw in a third reason, which is they will be able to take your mind off of things when you need a break.

Consider New Opportunities

The next thing you need to do while unemployed is consider new opportunities. This means that you should not continue to search for the same type of job you worked for the past 20 years. Instead, look for open jobs that require some of the skills you have that might be able to transfer.

Watch Your Finances

It is vital that you save as much money as possible while unemployed, even if you have received a severance payment from your former employer. This money will not last forever, which means you need to make it last until you are being sent regular paychecks from a new employer. Despite having to save money, you do not have to end your social life completely. Just ask your friends to be more mindful of your situation and ask to have a night in every once in a while.

Stay Productive

As you count the days that you are unemployed, try to remain productive as much as possible. The more you sit at home watching television or playing games on the internet, the more depressed you will become about your career. While unemployed, take up a new hobby, or resume a hobby that you needed to put on the backburner when you were employed full-time.

Stay Fresh

You need to keep your skills fresh when unemployed. This can be done by volunteering at local charities or non-profit organizations. You should even consider working contract or freelance assignments while unemployed to keep your skills fresh.

The longer you are unemployed, the more difficult it can be to stay positive. You will be able to remain positive in your job search by following the tips outlined in this post.